Last Saturday there was a talk at Calbourne Mill, given by Hannah Brock, who went out to Bethlehem as an International Observer for the Ecumenical Accompaniment programme in Palestine & Israel earlier this year. Having followed her reports on Ventnorblog, it was good to hear her flesh out her experiences, and give some background to them. 'War time farm', shown recently on the BBC, showed Ruth (one of the historians) reflecting on how difficult , psychologically it would have been for people to live under the constant fear of attack, and hardship during WW2, six years. Imagine this multiplied many times over, as is the case for many Palestinian's.
Hannah did well to talk about the people she met, only once did she stop to control her emotions, when she spoke about Sami (not sure about the spelling here), a child who had been left so traumatised by what he'd experienced that he'd not spoken for six years. Hannah allowed time afterwards for questions.
Once outside the walls of the cafe there was the sound of water trickling and gushing, a delicate peacock feather on the grass, a reminder of Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for democracy there, a loud screech from a peacock cut through the reflection, ducks paddling along in the water, soft green grass under foot, fresh air - peace is about moments like these, freedom from fear, and finding yourself transported and assimilated into everything. Thanks to Hannah for being a clear communicator for peace for those whose voices often go unheard.
